Week 1 Reflections

Taken directly from my journal:
God, what have I learned from last week? 

All the time in the world isn't going to be enough to spend with you so that I'll be prepared, but somehow, you make something good out of everything. YEA GOD!!!!!!! 

Be patient with people, but it's okay to be strict on some things and still let teenagers be teenagers. Stop stressing over everything!!!!! 

Who cares what everyone else thinks? 

Confrontation is inevitable if I actually want to try to solve a problem and not just identify it. It's possible to confront someone in love and in a mature way. 

"God conversation" is great, but there will be kids that just close up when things get too deep. But it's good to push them to a place where it's deeper than hey expected. 

God's foresight is much stronger than even my aftersight. Accountability and consistency aren't "spiritual fireworks"-kinds of things, but they'll last you a lot longer. 

When in doubt, ask myself: "What is God trying to accomplish here? Am I just following my own ideas of how it's supposed to be?" 

Talk to the source of the problem second, pray first, and talk to someone else who can help or offer advice after praying more if the problem doesn't stop. 

Immaturity from campers is easier to handle than that of coworkers. 

Go crazy!!!! Why not? 

There are battles I'll have to face on my own, relying only on God's strength. 

I can pray in power, knowing once again for the first time that God will win. 

Forgive and accept forgiveness; then forgive myself. 

Have joy in all circumstances; decompartmentalize. 

Look beneath the surface and communicate. If at first you don't like someone, look; look again. 

God always provides. 

Grace and encouragement bring the giver and receiver closer to God.